Canadian & World Issues - 12 Academic (CGW4U)

Teacher: Mr. Mooney

Teacher e-mails: mmooney@torontoprepschool.com


January 5-9, 2015
We will be reviewing as a group this week, and information that will not be posted to the wikispace will be covered. Consequently, it is extremely important that you are present for class each day.


http://www.howtostudy.com/use-test-taking-strategies-on-exam-day/


December 23, 2014
Below is the exam format and review sheet.


December 18, 2014
Today your tests were handed back and reviewed. Tomorrow we will be going over the final exam format and some key ideas to study over the break.

December 17, 2014
Today we had our final unit test.

December 16, 2014
Today we reviewed for our unit test tomorrow. Review the key terms of Chapters 26, 27, & 28. Also, review the articles and clips from the wikispace.

December 15, 2014
Today we talked about human rights violations at the controversial Guantanamo Bay prison. For homework, watch the Omar Khadr documentary below. Also, remember that our final unit test is this Wednesday. We will be reviewing as a group tomorrow.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/14/politics/john-mccain-guantanamo-obama/
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/opinion/sunday/notes-from-a-guantanamo-survivor.html?_r=0
Omar Khadr Case: http://www.cbc.ca/player/Shows/Shows/Doc+Zone/2008-09/ID/1233753588/


December 12, 2014
Today you were reminded that our final unit test is on Wednesday. Also, we continued to look at human rights issues and focused on North Korea.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-15278612
http://www.ted.com/talks/hyeonseo_lee_my_escape_from_north_korea
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/15/north-korea-human-rights-report_n_5824554.html

December 11, 2014
Today we discussed the UN's, "Declaration of Human Rights". We also looked at various human rights issues around the world. Finally, please remember that you are required to hand in your signed Parent Acknowledgement Form by tomorrow!
http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/
http://www.amnesty.ca/our-work/issues
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/is-ai-weiwei-chinas-most-dangerous-man-17989316/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MYFOzP6Xns

December 10, 2014
Today we continued to discuss quality of life around the world and it's spatial expression. We also discussed possible solutions to these issues. For homework, read and make notes on Chapter 28, including key terms.
http://hdr.undp.org/en/content/table-1-human-development-index-and-its-components
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-12-09/how-to-end-global-income-inequality

December 9, 2014
Today we discussed Social Determinants of Health. We looked at what these factors are, as well as which Canadians suffer the most, and where people suffer the most worldwide. For homework, read and make notes on Chapter 27, including the key terms.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neuQN6Fl7Io
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/health/index
http://www.who.int/social_determinants/sdh_definition/en/

December 8, 2014
Today I am absent from school. Please use the period to read the following article and respond to the questions posted below:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/03/140327-congo-genocide-united-nations-peacekeepers-m23-kobler-intervention-brigade/
1) What caused the Congo to be in such despair?
2) What is Resolution 2098?
3) Was envoking Resolution 2098 the correct action?
4) Does the international community have a responsibility to help solve situations like that of the Congo?
If you finish this task, use the remainder of the period to continue reading and making notes on Chapter 26 of the textbook.

December 5, 2014
Today we discussed the ISP in further detail and forms for your parents were sent home.


December 4, 2014
Today we had our Unit 5 test.

December 3, 2014
Today you handed in your Geopolitics assignment. Additionally, we reviewed for tomorrow's test as a group.

December 2, 2014
Today we discussed the effectiveness of the UN. For homework, remember that your Geopolitics Assignment is due tomorrow and our unit test is Thursday.



December 1, 2014
Today we discussed the nature of conflict and reviewed the notes posted below. Additionally, you were given a work period and reminded that your Geopolitics Assignment is due on Wednesday and we have our unit test on Thursday.



November 28, 2014
Today we quickly reviewed our lesson on terrorism and looked at some articles from the CBC. Additionally, you received your Geopolitics Assignment. For homework, continue working on the assignment, as well as read and make notes on Chapter 25 of the textbook (including key terms).

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canadians-with-alleged-terrorist-links-1.2839246
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/terrorism-bill-raises-civil-liberties-questions-1.2847554

November 27, 2014
Today we quickly reviewed the materials from yesterday that dealt with Huntington's "Clash of Civilizations". Additionally, we examined the idea of "Terrorism" and its different definitions. Finally, you were given time to begin the ISP and to complete the homework - reading and making notes on Chapter 24 (including key terms).

November 26, 2014
Today we looked at Huntington's "Clash of Civilizations" theory. We watched the video and read the article posted below. Also, your Independent Study Project was assigned today.

http://www.cbc.ca/player/Shows/Shows/ID/2584569103/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/monkey-cage/wp/2014/09/22/ukraine-and-isis-are-not-justifications-of-a-clash-of-civilizations/

November 25, 2014
Today I am away all day. Please use the period to read and make notes on Chapter 23 of the textbook (including key terms).

November 24, 2014
Today we continued with our Geopolitics unit. Specifically, we discussed the ongoing conflict in Crimea and possible solutions.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/24/g7-countries-snub-putin-refuse-attend-g8-summit-russia
http://icdiplomacy.com

November 21, 2014
Today we learned about different political ideologies. Additionally, you were given time for your homework, reading and making notes on Chapter 22 of the textbook (including key terms).


November 20, 2014
Today your tests were handed back and we began our next unit, Geopolitics. We discussed the field and examined the PowerPoint posted below. Additionally, we learned about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine through the links below. For homework, read and make notes on Chapter 22 of the textbook (be sure to include key terms).

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26248275
http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/TV+Shows/The+National/ID/2439946568/
http://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/ukraine-dashboard/

November 19, 2014
Today your Environmental Reviews were submitted. If you were away on the Hamlet trip, submit by the end of the day to avoid a late penalty. For homework, please read and make notes on Chapter 21 of the textbook (including key terms).

November 18, 2014
Today we had our Unit 4 Test (The Earth In Balance). For homework, continue working on your Environmental Review Assignment (due tomorrow).

November 17, 2014
Today we spent time peer editing your Environmental Review Assignments (due Wednesday). We also had time to review for tomorrow's unit test. Be sure to know your key terms, and to review the supplemental articles and videos from the wiki.

November 14, 2014
Today we looked at how to structure your Environmental Review Assignment. We also had a discussion on your findings so far. Use the sites below to help you with formatting and creating Works Cited lists. Finally, we reviewed the test format. Remember that our unit test is on Tuesday and the assignment is due Wednesday.

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
http://www.easybib.com
http://www.bibme.org

November 13, 2014
Today we looked at specific Canadian environmental legislation from the link below. You were also given time to work on your assignments. Remember that our unit test is on Tuesday and your assignments are due on Wednesday.
http://www.ec.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=E826924C-1
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-pulls-out-of-kyoto-protocol-1.999072

November 12, 2014
Today we took a note on the main points of Chapter 20 of the textbook. Additionally we looked at the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) website and a PowerPoint they have created on climate change. Additionally, we looked at a CBC article by Bob McDonald on climate change. Finally, your next assignment was handed out and you were given time to begin working on it. Please remember that our next unit test is on Tuesday, November 18.

http://www.ipcc.ch

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/urgent-ipcc-climate-change-warning-demands-action-bob-mcdonald-1.2827352


November 11, 2014
Today we took up the homework questions, but also spent some time discussing Remembrance Day. We looked at the reading posted below and debated the merits of such a day. For homework, answer the questions from pages 228, 245, 258, 277, 291, & 316 (these are the questions posted on the first page of each chapter, from 15-20).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DsJ8IhWO7w
http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/TV+Shows/The+National/ID/2439946568/


November 10, 2014
Today it was announced that the next unit test will be on Tuesday, November 18. Additionally, we discussed energy choices and we calculated our carbon footprints. For homework, continue to work on reading pages 293-305 and answer questions 1-9 on page 305.
http://footprint.wwf.org.uk

November 6, 2014
Today we played dictionary with the key terms from Chapters 15-18. For homework, read and make notes on Chapters 19 and 20 (including key terms). Otherwise, enjoy your long weekend!

November 5, 2014
Today we finished the David Suzuki Nature of Things episode on the pine beetle. We then had a PowerPoint note on water. We discussed water issues and looked at the links posted below. For homework, read and make notes on Chapter 18 (including the Key Terms).

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/apr/23/china-half-groundwater-polluted
http://www.businessinsider.com/china-water-pollution-photos-2014-7?op=1

November 4, 2014
Today we reviewed the concepts and key terms from Chapter 16, "Forest Issues". For homework, ensure you have your Chapter 17 notes (with Key Terms) finished for tomorrow.
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/may/15/brazil-laundering-illegal-timber-on-a-massive-and-growing-scale
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/climate-change/science/impacts/forest-impacts/
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/26/sumatra-borneo-deforestation-tigers-palm-oil
http://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/episodes/the-beetles-are-coming

October 31, 2014
Today we reviewed the solutions to desertification. Additionally, your documentary reviews were handed back. For homework, read and make notes on Chapter 17 of the textbook. Also, remember there is no school on Monday.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/ecosystems/human_uses_savannah_rev1.shtml

October 30, 2014
Today your tests were returned and we took up the key terms from Chapter 15. Additionally, we took a note on the key points of Chapter 15 and watched a TED Talk on desertification. For homework, read and make notes on Chapter 16 (including the key terms).
http://www.who.int/globalchange/ecosystems/desert/en/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpTHi7O66pI

October 29, 2014
Today we had our test and you were given time to complete the homework (read and make notes on Chapter 15 of the textbook).

October 28, 2014
Today you submitted your Documentary Review Assignments. Also, we reviewed as a group for tomorrow's test.

October 27, 2014
Today we discussed Neo-colonialsim, Structural Adjustment Programs, and Debt. We watched some clips and read the article from the link below. We also had time to peer edit our Documentary Reviews. Remember that your reviews are due in hard copy tomorrow, and we are having our unit test on Wednesday.
http://www.globalissues.org/article/3/structural-adjustment-a-major-cause-of-poverty

October 24, 2014
Today we continued watching, "The End of Poverty". Remember that a hard copy of your review is due for peer editing on Monday. The final product is due in hard copy on Tuesday! Our next test has been bumped to Wednesday, October 29.


October 23, 2014
Today we took up the Chapter 14 Key Terms. Additionally, you took a note on some of the key points from Chapter 14. Finally, your were given your next assignment (a documentary review) and time to work on it in class. Remember that you must have a hard copy for peer editing on Monday, and the final product is due on Tuesday!

The End of Poverty: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xpKKHcC8eU

October 22, 2014
Today we took up the key terms from Chapter 13. For homework, read and make notes on Chapter 14.

October 21, 2014
Today we looked at Multinational Corporations and the Top 500 Companies in the world. Additionally, we took a note on the key points of Chapter 13. Finally, we watched a brief video from the website, "whypoverty.net". For homework, read and make notes on Chapter 13. Also, don't forget that our next unit test will be on Tuesday, October 28.

http://fortune.com/global500/
http://www.whypoverty.net/films/

October 20, 2014
Today we discussed the biggest issues facing Toronto and looked at your political alignment. You took the Voter Compass test from the CBC to decide who you would vote for. Additionally, we took notes on the key points of Chapters 11 and 12.
http://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/votecompass/toronto2014.html

October 17, 2014
Today we discussed the key terms of Chapter 11 and had a group reading on Rostow's Stages of Economic Development. Finally, you completed an online reading and short quiz. For homework, read and make notes on Chapter 12 of the textbook (include definitions of Key Terms).
http://geography.about.com/od/economic-geography/a/Rostow-S-Stages-Of-Growth-Development-Model.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/development/contrasts_development_rev1.shtml

October 16, 2014
Today we continued watching, "Food Inc." and discussed its meaning. Additionally, you had time to complete your homework - reading and making notes on Chapter 11 (key terms included).

October 15, 2014
Today we reviewed the key terms from Chapter 10 of your textbook. Next, we began watching the documentary, "Food Inc.". Finally, your homework (which is due on Friday) is to read and make notes on Chapter 11 of the textbook.

October 14, 2014
Today we began our next unit, Economic Issues. We participated in a group reading, examined the Global Hunger Index - Interactive Map, and took a note on some basic terms/pieces of information. For homework, please read and make notes on Chapter 10 of the textbook - including the key terms.
http://www.ifpri.org/tools/2014-ghi-map

October 10, 2014
Today you handed in your Population Analysis Assignment. Then, we watched TED Talk videos and reviewed websites dealing with our next unit, Economic Issues. The question, "How can global poverty be solved?" was posed.
http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats
http://www.globalpovertyproject.com
https://www.ted.com/topics/poverty

October 9, 2014
Today we had our Unit 2 Test. For homework, finish your Population Analysis Assignment (due in hard copy tomorrow).

October 8, 2014
Today we had a 4 corners debate, followed by a test review period. Remember that your unit test is tomorrow and the population assignment is due on Friday.


October 7, 2014
Today you reviewed the key terms through a game of pictionary. Additionally, you were given time to work on your assignment (due Friday). For homework, continue to study for your unit test (this Thursday).

October 6, 2014
Today you continued to work on your Population Review Assignment. Remember that our next unit test is Thursday and your assignment is due on Friday.

October 3, 2014
Today we covered the key terms of Chapter 9. You were also reminded that your next unit test will be on Thursday of next week. Additionally, we reviewed the different theories about population growth. Finally, you were given your next assignment (posted below). For homework, please continue to work on your assignment.


Helpful websites:
http://hdr.undp.org/en/data/map
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/
http://worldmap.canadiangeographic.ca

October 2, 2014
Today we reviewed the key terms from Chapter 8 and learned how to make Population Pyramids digitally. We also discussed the aging baby boom generation and the impacts this will have on Canada. Finally, we reviewed the Demographic Transition Model. For homework, read and make notes on Chapter 9.

http://www.excel-exercise.com/charts/population-pyramid/#Subtraction_of_a_column
http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/news/how-well-is-canada-equipped-to-deal-with-its-aging-population

October 1, 2014
Today we took up the questions from yesterday's BBC documentary. Then, we discussed the key terms from Chapters 5, 6, & 7 of the textbook. Finally, we had a power point note on Migration. For homework, read and make notes on Chapter 8 of the textbook, including the key terms.


September 30, 2014
Today we reviewed various policies and recommendations made to help reduce the global population. Then, we watched a BBC documentary which takes an alternative view on various notions of overpopulation. The link to the video and the question sheet are posted below. There is no homework tonight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UbmG8gtBPM


September 29, 2014
Today I am away coaching at an ultimate frisbee tournament. Please read and make notes on Chapter 7 of the textbook. Be sure to have definitions for the key terms.

September 26, 2014
Today we continued to look at issues with over-population. Specifically, we examined China's population issues. The links from class are posted below. For homework, read and make notes on Chapter 6. Also, be sure to have definitions for the key terms.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alon-tal/overpopulation-is-still-t_b_3990646.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x98KFcMJeo

September 25, 2014
Today we looked more closely at population pyramids and discussed demographic transition. You also completed an online quiz. The notes and links are posted below. There is no homework tonight.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/population/population_change_structure_rev1.shtml

September 24, 2014
Today your unit tests were returned and we finished watching Megacities - Mumbai. Additionally, you were given time to work on the homework (reading and making notes on Chapter 5.

September 23, 2014
Today your map assignments were returned and we took up the homework questions. Also, we looked at some of the logistical issues with over-population and watched a National Geographic episode of, "Megacities" that examined Mumbai.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9mJAdO0KsM

September 22, 2014
Today we reviewed the key terms from Chapter 4 of the textbook. We also had a Power Point note on the field of Demographics, and watched a video by Hans Rosling on population issues. For homework, complete the following questions from page 67 of the text: 2a,b, 3a,b, & 5.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTznEIZRkLg

September 19, 2014
Today you were at the university fair. For homework, finish reading and making notes on Chapter 4. Also, be sure to have definitions of all the key terms.

September 18, 2014
Today we had our first unit test. For homework, read and take notes on Chapter 4 of the textbook. Please ensure you have the definitions for all the key terms.

September 17, 2014
Today we looked at Multinationals and their involvement in globalization. Also, remember we have our first unit test tomorrow! Be sure to review tonight.

September 16, 2014
Today we reviewed your news articles and discussed ways to solve your chosen issues. We also watched a short video from War Child, which suggests ways for youth to get engaged in coming up with solutions to big issues. Finally, you were reminded of the unit test on Thursday and we reviewed the format document posted below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMdiV51Y5fE



September 15, 2014
Today you handed in your Map Analysis Assignment and were reminded that our first unit test is on Thursday. We also played a challenging game of World Issues Pictionary, and attempted to rate current world issues. For homework, please find articles that relate to our top 3 world issues.
http://www.globalissues.org
http://www.un.org/en/globalissues/

September 12, 2014
Today we finished watching David Suzuki's Sustainability program. Remember that your Map Analysis Assignment is due on Monday, and we will have our first unit test on Thursday.
http://www.cbc.ca/player/Shows/ID/2198181840/

September 11, 2014
Today we looked more closely at Sustainability and ways in which Canadian cities are integrating new initiatives. For homework, continue to work on your Mapping Assignment.
http://www.cbc.ca/player/Shows/ID/2198181840/

September 10, 2014
Today we continued to examine the themes of Globalization and Sustainability. Specifically, we looked at Dubai as an example. Additionally, your first assignment was handed out. For homework, read and make notes on Chapter 3 - also taking definitions of any key terms. The notes from today are posted below.





September 9, 2014
Today we looked at the Human Development Index. We examined the distribution of world issues, as well as the biggest issues of present day. We also discussed how data can be skewed to present different stories. The links to the videos and information from class are posted below. For homework, please read and make notes on Chapter 2 of the textbook.
http://worldmap.canadiangeographic.ca
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbkSRLYSojo
http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=e0bc186e20ee0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD&vgnextchannel=1e68f40f9aae0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD

September 8, 2014
Today we reviewed the, "Framing Issues" sheet from last class. Additionally, we looked at more efficient ways of reading and taking notes. Next, we examined the two terms that will serve as guiding principles for the course: Globalization & Sustainability. Finally, for homework please read and make notes on Chapter 1 of the textbook. Be sure to complete definitions for all the key terms listed. The notes from today are posted below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAhRf3U50lM



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ0nFD19eT8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5r4loXPyx8


September 2, 2014
Today we reviewed the course outline and introduced the main concepts of the course. For homework, please purchase the textbook asap. Additionally, choose a current issue and complete the "Framing An Issue" sheet handed out in class.

August 29, 2014
Posted below is a copy of the course outline. Please download load it and purchase a copy of the textbook as soon as possible. I am looking forward to meeting you all and getting started on Tuesday!



August 18, 2014
Welcome to the home page for World Issues 12. This page will be updated daily with important course information (homework, assignments, announcements, etc) and your location for keeping up with class materials. In the coming days, multiple files will be uploaded to this site and ready for you to download. I am looking forward to meeting you all in September and getting the course started. Enjoy the rest of your summer!